How many “should have”, “if only “, or “I wish” statements have you uttered today?

How many conversations have you had that pained you or how often have you had “unpredictable future” thoughts?

These are all TOXIC behaviors.

In her book, Who Switched Off My Brain?, Dr. Caroline Leaf talks about how you can control these types of thoughts and emotions.

Here are some simple techniques to help you cope:

1. Everything starts with a thought
2. Become conscious of your thoughts
3. Either accept or deny a thought as fast as it comes in
4. Build a strong emotional response to your thoughts. Choose your words carefully.

Dr. Leaf says, “When you start speaking positive words out of positive thinking, you grow a beautiful new memory over the painful and often oppressive one. Lay the groundwork so that you can literally grow new memories over the old ones.”

I say pour positive concrete over the toxic thoughts until you smoother them. Just keep saying positive things in the face of a negative situation over and over until you re-train your brain to think differently about it.

To get yourself in the mode of positive thinking, try a few (or all) of these:

1. Count your personal blessings
2. Relive happy memories of good times
3. Recall times of accomplishment or success
4. Be grateful for people who have mentored and encouraged you
5. Allow yourself to be led by your heart
6. Spend quality time with loved ones
7. Tap in to the power of touch
8. Love others – no matter what

Don’t you feel better already?

Toxic thoughts, in the end, are almost always generated by FEAR. Fear of the unknown. Fear that we won’t be loved or respected. Fear of failure. But Napoleon Hill breaks it down for us and says, “Fear is simply not knowing the answer to a question.”

Have a good conversation with yourself and bring in all the facts. What is the question that lacks an answer for you?